Ways to wear workout gear

I read this quote the other day – Don’t let anyone tell you that leggings aren’t pants – you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

Look around you and tell me what people are wearing around you. Think about how high heels have become passé and people have adopted sneakers and high tops for footwear and swapped expensive jeans for leggings. Workout gear has evolved a lot since the 70’s with moisture wicking fabrics, sweat proof technology built into fabrics and fit wear that actually claims to sculpt that derriere into shape while you wear it. It is no longer synonymous with boring tees, yoga pants, shorts ands strictly functional sportswear.

This trend was born out of functionality and necessity but also because people the world over are looking after their bodies now more than ever and want to focus on leading healthier lives. It is convenient and makes sense because you no longer need to lug an extra outfit to work when all you need to do is style your work wardrobe into a gym wardrobe with a few tweaks.

For some of us, athleisure is a trend that we hope will grow in leaps and bounds because there’s absolutely nothing comfier than wearing yoga pants or workout leggings. What exactly is athleisure, you might ask?

Since brands like Lululemon Athletica, Under Armour, Victoria’s Secret become wardrobe staples in and out of the gym, athleisure has become serious business even among high end designers with everyone embracing the trend. Retailers all over the world teamed up with well-known designers to create functional fitwear that you could wear outside our gym or workout class. Athleisure is an all encompassing trend that describes ‘apres sport’ or ‘gym to office’ clothes. Well, if social media and fashion blogs are anything to go by – we’ve got Victoria Secret models, Gigi Hadid, Gwen Stefani, Kendal and Kylie Jenner and just about any fashionista sporting the sports meets street style look. You would’ve seen influencers sport sneakers and high tops to the runway, evening soirees as they team it up with coats and blazers. Net-a-porter launched a clever Net-a-Sporter division last year to cater to this growing need of fitwear and outerwear everywhere. India has also seen an increase in homegrown brands adopting the idea of athleisure and eco conscious fit wear. Ethical clothing brands such as Stretchery make working out exciting, while you are doing your bit for the environment too.

To me, athleisure is a trend where balance is extremely crucial. There are several ways you can wear workout wear this year.

• You can wear leggings with crop tops or bralettes for yoga.
• Leggings and pair it with a nice jacket and high tops to work and meetings.
• Add sneakers like Adidas Originals with a sexy black dress and a well tailored, fitted overcoat
• Wear a dress with high tops and a fitted workout jacket
• When in doubt, pick black leggings with white high tops and a crop top or a nice top and a well tailored jacket
• Layering is extremely crucial and stick to neutrals like black, white and grey that are easy to pair and accessorize.
• Wear a Stretchery racerback with fitted leggings or leggings and a nice cover up or jacket

I think that it’s absolutely fabulous that athleisure is becoming more and more mainstream. If you invest in quality workout clothes, fitness accessories, high tops and expensive sneakers – it’s great to be able to wear it to work or an evening out with friends. So long skinny jeans and fitted trousers, I am happy to lounge around in a yoga shirt and leggings. Grab a few of these online and you’ll a new shirt for every day of the week and you get to play around with looks and combinations. Head over to stretchery.com and pick a style that works for you. I personally love their racerbacks. Staying fit has never been so much fun.